Avoid the crowds this Labor Day! Recreate Li Xian's healing family vacation in this ancient town

📅 Trip Length: Minimum of 5 days 👨‍👩‍👦 Perfect for: Families who enjoy a slow pace, nature, and cultural exploration 🚗 1. Road Trip Route & Transportation Tips [From Chengdu] 1️⃣ Route: Chengdu → Xichang → Lijiang → Jianchuan → Shaxi (approx. 900 km total, 11 hours. We recommend driving it over 2 days, with a break in Lijiang or Dali). 2️⃣ Lijiang/Dali to Shaxi: Lijiang to Shaxi is approx. 2.5 hours, and Dali to Shaxi is approx. 2 hours. The second half is a mountain road with stunning scenery but many curves. Overall, it's still easy to drive. 3️⃣ Parking: There is a parking lot at the entrance to Shaxi Ancient Town. We recommend contacting your guesthouse in advance to confirm parking availability. 🏡 2. Family-Friendly Accommodation Recommendations 1️⃣ SUNYATA Resort Hotel, Shaxi, Jixia Mountain: Earthen courtyard with a seesaw and slide. The rooms are spacious and bright, and breakfast is included. 2️⃣ Shaxi Absolute Art Inn: Slides, graffiti wall, and rooftop swing - kids can go wild! The rooms are playfully designed, and the inn is close to the market where you can buy groceries and cook. 3️⃣ Rose Inn: Offers family activities such as rice paddy mud fights and wood-fired bread baking for a top-notch experience. 🎉 3. Must-See Attractions & Family Activities 1️⃣ Yujin Bridge & Black Huijiang River: The photos are stunning in the early morning mist or at dusk. You can take your kids horseback riding around the ancient town (30 mins/CNY 50) and experience the caravan culture. I'm not sure if the price has gone up now, but one loop is still quite long. 2️⃣ Sideng Street & Ancient Theater: Rent Bai ethnic clothing for travel photos (rental approx. CNY 50/hour). Watch the "Shaxi Chaplin" performance in Sifang Street - kids love it. 3️⃣ Librairie Avant-Garde: A bookstore converted from a granary with a children's picture book area. The poetry tower on the top floor overlooks the idyllic scenery. 4️⃣ Ouyang Courtyard: A century-old Bai ethnic house with exquisite wood carvings. Tickets are CNY 10. Take your kids to learn about traditional architecture. 5️⃣ Shaxi Friday Market: Locals sell mountain goods in bamboo baskets. Buy fresh milk and wild mushrooms (during the rainy season) and experience the local atmosphere. 🫕 4. Featured Snacks Chicken pea jelly, fried potatoes, and baked milk fan - eat while you walk. Our family loves the rose flavor of the baked milk fan the most. It's sweet and fragrant. ⚠️ 5. Useful Tips 1. Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between day and night. Prepare a light jacket + sun hat and wear comfortable sneakers (the stone roads are uneven). 2. Cash: Some small shops and villagers' stalls only accept cash. Prepare some small change. 3. Season: The best times to travel are March–May and September–November. In Shaxi, there's no need to deliberately plan your daily itinerary. Just stroll around at your leisure.